Healing to Wellness Court

Overwhelmingly, alcohol/drug abuse is related to criminal activity on the Santa Ana Pueblo (Pueblo). In 2017, 80% of the criminal cases were alcohol/drug related. All the child abuse cases and 32% of the domestic violence charges involved the abuse of alcohol or drugs. In 2019, before COVID, 69% of the criminal cases filed on the Pueblo involved substance use. Because of its geographical location, 67% of the criminal cases on the Pueblo involve Native people not enrolled at Santa Ana.  The Pueblo has addressed the issues through creative treatment-centered sentencing, and through tribal collaborations, and through agreements with outside service providers, and state/county programs.

The Pueblo seeks to enhance its Healing to Wellness Court Program (HTWC) to increase sobriety in the tribal community. In 2021, 47% of defendants assessed did not qualify for the HTWC because of their need. The Pueblo is requesting continued funding for the HTWC as it develops a multi-track program to address a wider level of need. To avoid mixing participants with different needs, which is harmful, the Pueblo will develop a multi-track program. For those needing treatment for criminal behavior patterns, the program will provide the right level of care using advanced assessment tools.

The CTAS funding is for the Healing to Wellness Court Program Manager (Manager) to coordinate the creation of the new track program. The Manager create case management plans, and will be the connective sinew between the court, the defendant, and service providers. The Manager will create multi-jurisdiction referral agreements with local courts and other tribal. Also, funding for Community Reinforcement and Family Training is requested to assist the community effectively support HTWC participants in the recovery process.

The objectives are to employ the Manager, to engage an advisory team and multi-disciplinary review team. The grant application also requests funding for probation officer supplies such as sobriety testing devices, and drug testing kits, which are necessary for the success of the program. 

The Pueblo is also seeking to fill gaps in its tribal justice system by funding a Public Defender for two days per week so that defense representation can be included in the HTWC and other justice systems planning. The Pueblo is also requesting funding for one day per week by contract Prosecutor to represent the Pueblo in criminal matters.

The total amount requested is $899,204.00.